Phoebe and Her Unicorn: A Heavenly Nostrils Chronicle (#1)

It all started when a girl named Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond and accidentally hit a unicorn in the face. Improbably, this led to Phoebe being granted one wish, and she used it to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, her obligational best friend. But can a vain mythical beast and a nine-year-old daydreamer really forge a connection? Indeed they can, and that's how Phoebe and Her Unicorn unfolds.

This beautifully drawn comic strip follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the magic unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is. Through hilarious adventures where Phoebe gets to bask in Marigold's "awesomeness," the friends also come to acknowledge that they had been lonely before they met and truly appreciate the bond they now share.

"Clean lines, clearly delineated panels and sparse background detail keep readers focused on the characters, driving the story forward without distraction. Recommend this to fans of Jennifer and Matthew Holm's Babymouse series and Frank Cammuso's Salem Hyde...A sweet, spun-sugar confection just right for unicorn fans." (Kirkus Reviews) "... hilarious, sweet, and unsentimental..." (Cory Doctorow, BoingBoing) "Readers in need of a good friend can curl up with this title. They won't be sorry." (Esther Keller, School Library Journal's Good Comics for Kids blog) "...unique and witty...Simple line drawings bring the characters to life without detracting from the clever dialogue...those looking for something to read after Jenni Holm's 'Babymouse' books might want to take a look." (Barbara Moon, School Library Journal) "I can't wait to share this collection with my students." (Travis Jonker, School Library Journal's "100 Scope Notes" blog) "...the friendship between [Phoebe and Marigold] is impeccably developed...Rich humor lies in the illustrations..." (The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books) "This is a really cute book that is cleverly written...very relatable to girls ages 8 to 12..." (Time to Play Magazine) Named one of the "Best Feminist Books for Young Readers" list, "...a breathtakingly refreshing look at friendships and school age struggles." (Brandi Bailey, BookRiot) "Situational humor will appeal to all regardless of gender. The volume contains chuckles and pop references that will entertain the most skeptical adults as well as the target audience." (Library Media Connection) Included in the "Your pre-approved list of feminist books for all the kids in your life" roundup. (Caroline Gerdes, Hello Giggles)

Author description

Dana Claire Simpson grew up in Gig Harbor, Washington, drawing the entire time. She eventually graduated from the Evergreen State College, despite having spent all her time drawing, and not always for credit. Attempts at doing real work along the way are hardly worth mentioning; the relevant fact is that, from 1998 to 2008, she drew the internet comic strip Ozy and Millie. After winning the Amazon-sponsored Comic Strip Superstar contest in 2009, Universal Uclick signed her to a development deal for Heavenly Nostrils.